Age is just a number, and it’s never too late to revitalize your smile when it comes to dental health. Dental implants could be the key to restoring confidence in your smile and joy in your daily life. Let’s delve into how this modern dental solution can bring about a positive transformation, no matter what the year on your birth certificate says.
In this article, we’ll explore dental implants and their benefits, discuss age considerations for implant treatments, and provide tips for ensuring long-term results.
If you are wondering about full mouth dental implants for seniors, the experts at Foley and Le Oral Surgery can help. We are committed to helping you make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Table of Contents
- What Are Dental Implants?
- Are Dental Implants Worth It?
- Is There a Cut-Off Age for Dental Implants?
- The Dental Implant Procedure
- Tips for Long-Term Results
- The Bottom Line
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are titanium alloy posts surgically placed into the jawbone to mimic the root structure of a natural tooth. Once the implant post is inserted and healed, a dental restoration such as a crown, bridge, or denture is attached, replacing the missing tooth or teeth. This procedure offers many advantages, including improved oral health, function, and appearance.
Why should you replace missing teeth? Read No Tooth Left Behind: Understanding the Importance of Replacing Missing Teeth to find out.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
The cost of dental implants is a common concern, but the long-term benefits make them worth the investment. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits:
- Look and feel like natural teeth: Dental implants match your natural teeth in appearance and function, providing a reliable solution for tooth loss.
- Prevent bone loss: When you lose a tooth, the bone tissue in that area begins to degrade. Dental implants stimulate bone growth, preventing further loss and preserving the jaw’s integrity.
- Long-lasting and reliable: With proper care, dental implants can last for decades, providing a long-term solution to tooth loss.
Is There a Cut-Off Age for Dental Implants?
The good news is that there isn’t a specific cut-off age for dental implants. Seniors need to be in good general health and have enough bone density in their jaw to support the implants.
Risk factors like cardiovascular disease, poorly controlled diabetes, smoking, periodontal disease, and certain medications can affect the procedure’s success, but many seniors enjoy successful implant treatment. In cases of insufficient bone density, bone grafting may be an option to prepare the jaw for implant placement.
Your oral surgeon, Dr. B Foley, Dr. D Foley or Dr. T Le, will consider your medical history and current health status to determine if you are a candidate for dental implants.
There isn’t a specific cut-off age for dental implants. Seniors are eligible for dental implants if they have good general health and have enough bone density in the jaw to support the implants.
The Dental Implant Procedure
The dental implant procedure typically requires four stages:
- Bone graft: If it has been determined that you are a candidate for dental implants, but you require a bone graft, this procedure will be done before or at the time the implants are placed.
- Surgical procedure: The titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone during dental implant surgery.
- Osseointegration: During the healing process, the implant post fuses with the bone tissue, providing a stable foundation for dental restoration. It typically takes between 3 and 6 months for this to occur.
- Restoration fabrication and placement: Once the implant has fused with the bone, your dentist will create and attach the dental restoration, such as a crown, denture, or bridge, to the implant post.
Tips for Long-Term Results
Dental Implants can last for decades but require proper care to ensure long-term results. Here are a few tips on maintaining your dental implants:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.
- Avoid extra pressure on the implant: Chewing hard foods and using jaw muscles to open bottles or bags can put too much pressure on the implant and cause it to fail. In addition, if your dentist or surgeon informs you that you clinch or grind your teeth, you should have an occlusal night guard made to protect your implant and other teeth from receiving excessive load.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can slow healing, decrease blood flow to the implant site, and will increase your risk of implant failure four-fold.
Read How to Maintain Good Oral Health After Dental Implant Surgery for more information.
The Bottom Line
Don’t let age be a factor in deciding whether dental implants are right for you. Dental implants can be a great long-term solution for you. To determine if dental implants are right for you, contact the experts at Foley and Le Oral, Maxillofacial, and Dental Implant Surgery.
If you are searching for an dental implants in Boulder, or dental implants near me, call (303) 444-2255 to schedule an appointment or complete the online booking form.
Our experienced team will provide personalized care and guidance throughout the implant process. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental implant failure can happen if implants are not cared for correctly or an underlying health issue could affect the procedure’s success. However, the success rate for dental implants is over 95%, and with proper care, your implants can last decades. Signs of dental implant failure include, but are not limited to, loose implant, pain or swelling around the site of the implant and severe pain.
You will not feel pain during the procedure, as local anesthesia and sedation are used during implant placement surgery. Afterward, you can expect some discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications. Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe stronger medication if necessary.
Use gentle circular motions rather than vigorous scrubbing to avoid damaging the implant. Dental implants should be brushed twice daily, like natural teeth, with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.